AAIA, in partnership with NASK and AaaN, are hosting a family conference on Sat. Oct 3, 2009 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at Bethany Community Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. The conference is entitled " Knowledge for Living with Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Allergies".

Gwen Smith, Editor for Allergic Living will be in attendance and speaking. As well, there are a number of specialists speaking, Kyle Dine will be entertaining, and Sara Shannon will be providing the closing remarks. This is a family conference with a full day of children's programs for children aged 3 - 12.

If payment is received by September 23, 2009:
The cost for AAIA members is $100 for a family of 5, $50 for an adult. For non-members, the cost is $115 for a family of 5, $60 for an adult.

If payment is received after September 23, 2009, the costs are slightly increased.

For more information, including the full schedule, pricing, directions & accomodation consult the AAIA website: http://www.aaia.caHope to see you there!

I have to tell you that Ottawa hosted an AAIA conference in October 2007 and dd is still talking about it! She was 5 years old at the time and she enjoyed it so much. She was able to meet her peers and older children who were managing their allergies. She was able to enjoy a day away from her parents while feeling absolutely safe and have FUN!

I suspect that before this she felt like there was only a few people dealing with allergies. To see so many people and products and to feel absolutely accepted...

Yours truly will be there - talking about "Airlines and Allergies" and where we go next with advocacy for more accommodations. Lots of new stuff to share. I think the whole program looks very strong. Hope you can come out.

Nice drive to Niagara, great conference on topics near and dear to us, what more could you ask?

11:00 – 11:30 Anaphylaxis and Human Rights in Ontario Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children with anaphylaxis, their options and rights and the role of the community in addressing anaphylaxis.
Maurice Brenner, Human Rights Advocate, Ontario

1. ANAPHYLAXIS: Best strategies for coping with the diagnosis
An interactive workshop, participants will clarify their understanding of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and practice giving an auto-injector correctly. Positive strategies for coping at home, daycare, school and in the wider
community, gained through years of parent experience, will be shared.
Sherri Raso, NASK Executive/Parent & Barbara Ally, M.Sc., Professor, Niagara
College/NASK Parent

3. Air Travel with Food Allergies A look at anaphylaxis risks in the air, steps to minimize those risks, the current state of airline allergy accommodations, and moving forward with advocacy for accommodations.
Gwen Smith, Editor, Allergic Living Magazine

1. Living with Anaphylaxis: Managing Risk
This interactive workshop will help participants understand how children and
adolescents manage anaphylactic risk. Using children’s illustrations and narratives, environmental factors (physical, social, etc.) emerge as key determinants of risk and risk management. What we learn from the children helps us to distinguish between coping and adaptation strategies; this will help both parents [caregivers] and allergic children enhance their skills in assessing, managing and responding to risk.
Susan J. Elliot, Professor, McMaster University
Co-Program Leader, Program C, AllerGen
Nancy E. Fenton, PhD, RD, McMaster University

2. Emergency Response Be prepared – learn from the experts what you can do to positively impact an
emergency situation.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services

4:15 – 5:00 “Everyday Heroes” – Living Well and Fully!
Parents and kids will enjoy this panel discussion featuring role models who share their day-to-day strategies and experiences.
Moderator: Sandi Mansfield, NASK member and adult living with anaphylaxis.

Closing comments by Sara Shannon and Door Prizes

_________________Allergic to soy, peanut, shellfish, penicillin

Last edited by gwentheeditor on Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Should mention - this truly is a "family" conference. Kids are engaged all day, as Susan mentions above. Here's what the conference info says:
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Family attendance encouraged! Children welcome at no extra charge!

A full day children’s program will be offered to kids with anaphylaxis, allergies and asthma and their siblings aged 3 to 12. The program features an educational component, lots of fun and peer interaction!
Children will be amazed by and benefit from meeting other children who share their health conditions and also carry life-saving medications.

All program staff are trained in anaphylaxis and asthma symptom awareness and emergency procedures, including the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.

The Children’s program is completely food free. Children will be allowed to eat only with their parents during lunch and breaks. Parents and children will be encouraged to wash up before entering the program and after meals.

After lunch, children may choose to attend: A one-hour reptile show OR an art program.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum